Student to conquer Kilimanjaro in memory of dad's best friend

A student from Colchester has set himself the ultimate challenge of climbing Kilimanjaro this summer to raise funds for us, after his dad’s best friend contracted meningitis in 2010.

Lewis Mellor is hoping to raise £2,250 by completing the six day trek. The trek is run by Student Adventures who create tailor made adventures for students.

Kilimanjaro, in Tanzania, Africa, is the tallest free standing mountain in the world and stands at 5,895m. Kibo, the snow capped peak, is one of the most recognisable sights in the world of adventure and it is a huge challenge for those who are prepared to tackle the landscape and the altitude to reach the summit.

Lewis said: “Meningitis can have a huge effect on people’s lives and unfortunately has the ability to end them. I don’t feel the awareness of meningitis is as apparent as it should be, with people not understanding the causes and consequences of the disease. My dad’s best friend was diagnosed with the disease in 2010, and although he survived it led to the development of many other illnesses and he sadly passed away later that year. The devastation that this brought to his family and friends, like my dad, is not to be wished upon anybody.”

To sponsor Lewis you can visit his online donation page: www.virginmoneygiving.com/lewismmm